Most of the time, people propagate snake plants by dividing or cutting leaf sections.
But what about growing them from seeds? Is this something anyone can do, or is it a tough gardening challenge?
In this article, we'll find out if you can grow snake plants from seeds, how to do it, and how it's different from the usual ways of making new snake plants.
Is It Possible to Grow Snake Plants From Seeds?
Yes, it's possible to grow snake plants from seeds.
Although it's more common to propagate snake plants through cuttings or division, growing them from seeds can also be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Just like with other seeds, you'll need to germinate them, nurture the seedlings through their vulnerable initial stage, and maintain optimal conditions until the plants are well-established
Curious about your snake plant's growth? Discover what to expect in your snake plant’s growth cycle.
What Stops Most People from Growing Snake Plants Using Seeds?
Growing snake plants from seeds requires a lot of patience, especially because these plants grow slowly.
Unlike many other plants, snake plants rarely flower and require just the right conditions to bloom.
Because it's difficult to get snake plant seeds and they take a long time to grow, most people prefer quicker propagation methods, such as cutting a leaf or division.
Additionally, it's important to remember that snake plants are usually not grown from seeds due to their genetic variability.
This means that the plants grown from seeds might not be identical to the parent plant, leading to variations in appearance.
Is your snake plant flowering? Learn what steps to take next in this article.
How to Grow Snake Plants from Seeds Successfully
As we've already established, growing snake plants from seeds requires patience, but it can be a rewarding experience.
Here are the steps for successfully growing snake plants from seeds.
Step 1: Germinate the Seeds
The first step in growing snake plants from seeds is germination, which can be quite challenging.
Start by soaking the seeds in room-temperature water for about an hour to soften their outer shells.
After soaking, rinse the seeds and place them in a sealed ziplock bag or a jelly jar with a moistened paper towel. This setup creates a humid environment that encourages germination.
Keep the bag at a temperature between 65-80°F (18-26°C), and consider using a grow light if necessary.
See the GooingTop LED Grow Light on Amazon.
2. Planting the Germinated Seeds
Once your snake plant seeds have germinated, it's time to introduce them to the soil.
Choose a soil mix that drains well but also retains enough moisture to keep the seeds hydrated.
Plant the seeds about half an inch deep, spacing them about 10 inches apart or using separate pots for each seed.
Water the soil thoroughly and ensure the pot allows excess moisture to drain off. This is crucial as overwatering can be detrimental to the young plants.
Watch this video for more tips on successfully planting your snake plant seedlings.
3. Caring for Seedlings
After planting, the snake plant seedlings need consistent care. They should be watered approximately once a week, but be cautious of overwatering.
The best way to determine if watering is needed is to perform the soil moisture finger test.
Maintain a stable environment for the seedlings and provide them with bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can be too harsh for the young plants.
Can I Buy Snake Plant Seeds from the Market?
You can buy snake plant seeds from the market, but it's a bit tricky.
Snake plant seeds are known to have a short shelf life, which means that dry seeds will not be very useful for germinating.
Because of this, you might not find seeds as readily available as full-grown plants or other propagation methods.
If you're determined to grow snake plants from seeds, it's best to purchase fresh seeds or extract them from the plant's fruit, which you can sometimes find at nurseries.
This might require more effort, but it will likely result in a better chance of successful germination.
How Long Would It Take for Snake Plants to Grow from Seed?
As we've shared, growing snake plants from seeds is a lengthy process. It can take up to six weeks for the seeds to germinate under ideal conditions.
Once the seeds have sprouted, it will take several months to a year for them to grow into mature snake plants.
Seed-Grown Snake Plants vs. Plants Propagated by Other Methods
While growing snake plants from seeds might seem appealing, it's essential to consider certain disadvantages that are not typical with other propagation techniques.
As mentioned, seed-grown snake plants can take longer. The germination step alone can take up to 6 weeks under ideal conditions.
On the other hand, propagating from cuttings or divisions is quicker, usually showing results in a few months. This method also allows for expanding your plant collection more reliably.
While seed propagation can be hit-or-miss with germination and plant health, using established plant parts for propagation typically results in healthier plants.
But if you enjoy the challenge and anticipation of growing plants from seeds, go ahead and try it!
